As everything is in order and almost settled at Dewy Manor, let’s really kick off the year with some very fast and exciting laps at Daytona International Speedway. 4 days of racing in front of me. And as Daytona Beach is more or less just down the street and a two pit stop trip away, what could possibly stop me from spending some quality time at NASCAR’s most prestigious and most exciting race track? Yup, you’re right: Nothing. And small minded and simple as I am, it’s still an easy sport to follow. Left turns only.

I kick off “my” Speedweeks today with Truck Practice followed by the two Cup-Cars Duels. The Duels determine the starting lineup for the Daytona 500 on Sunday. There are two Duel races. Each race last 60 laps = 150 Miles. The first one determines the outside starting lineup, the second duel the inside startup lineup for the 500.

So at the end of the day I know who’s leading the race, at least in Turn 1, on Sunday. Go Kyle.

Friday kicks off the Truck season with their 250 Miles race in the evening. I’m planning to stay almost the whole day at the track, as it has become tradition to spent Friday at the Fanzone. Inside the Fanzone it’s fun to watch and see all three series practice and watch the Truck qualifier. The race itself I’m going to see from high up. I love my seat this year. It’s almost the same seat I’ve had with Yan 2 years ago. Just a bit off the finish line. No one to my right and lots of leg room. Not that I really need that much leg room, but …

Before the “Great American Race” takes place on Sunday, the Xfinity series will start their season on Saturday afternoon with a 300 Miles race.

So. What to expect? First of all it’s all about speed, sound, scent, sun, fun and speed again. There have been some retirements (Junior, Kenneth, Danica) and it will be interesting to see, how the new guys will run. With Alex Bowman leading the way in Juniors 88. That will be fun to see. Not only here in Daytona to start the season, but throughout the year. Guess, he will be bumped and baked here and there from some old guys. Shake’n’bake, baby.

Of course all fingers crossed for a Kyle W, but races at super speedways are unpredictable.

Uh, yes. Even though Danica has been retired, she’s running in the 500 as her last NASCAR race. Later the year she will also run the Indy 500. I liked seeing her racing and I never really understand the guys booing her, when she was introduced. Yep, well, what do I know?